Police arrested four individuals during a pro-Palestinian protest at the University of Michigan’s Festifall event on Wednesday. According to campus officials, the demonstration involved around 50 protesters, who were warned for over an hour about blocking pedestrian traffic and violating university policy. Despite the warnings, some refused to disperse, leading to the arrests.
Colleen Mastony, the campus assistant vice president for public affairs, stated that none of the arrested individuals were students. Three were unaffiliated with the university, while the fourth was a temporary employee. Mastony emphasized that the university supports protests as long as they do not disrupt operations, infringe on others’ rights, or compromise community safety. She reiterated that the university will enforce its policies to maintain a safe and inclusive environment.
This incident follows a similar protest in April, where demonstrators set up a tent encampment demanding the university divest from Israel. The camp was dismantled by police in May, resulting in additional arrests.